Hushed Willows And trees and hills they long have known.

There was a brief moment where Mal maybe saw his father.  One turn of his head where he looked over, past, or maybe through a distantly familiar ghost of a silhouette.  But if he actually did, apparently he hadn't deigned to acknowledge that fact.  He flowed back into the conversation with Brillo without a blink.

There was some part of Mal that probably was thinking that if he didn't want to interact then fine, he could remain a ghost.  It wasn't like he was treated any differently.  It wasn't like he had anything nice to say, either.  So, probably for the best that he ignore the lurking shadow.  Mal had his own life to live now... Kinda.  Even if his sister wasn't ready to come join him yet.  He hoped she would soon.  That'd be better for them both.  They could start over or something without this nonsense hanging over their heads.  Hopefully.  There were long roads ahead, and he didn't want to travel all of them alone.